High-order Shakhov-like extension of the relaxation time approximation in relativistic kinetic theory

Abstract: In this paper we present a relativistic Shakhov-type generalization of the Anderson-Witting relaxation time model for the Boltzmann collision integral. The extension is performed by modifying the path on which the distribution function $f_{\mathbf{k}}$ is taken towards local equilibrium $f_{0\mathbf{k}}$, by replacing $f_{\mathbf{k}} - f_{0\mathbf{k}}$ via $f_{\mathbf{k}} - f_{{\rm S}\mathbf{k}}$. The Shakhov-like distribution $f_{{\rm S} \mathbf{k}}$ is constructed using $f_{0\mathbf{k}}$ and the irreducible moments $\rho_r^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_\ell}$ of $f_\mathbf{k}$ and reduces to $f_{0\mathbf{k}}$ in local equilibrium. Employing the method of moments, we derive systematic high-order Shakhov extensions that allow both the first- and the second-order transport coefficients to be controlled independently of each other. We illustrate the capabilities of the formalism by tweaking the shear-bulk coupling coefficient $\lambda_{\Pi \pi}$ in the frame of the Bjorken flow of massive particles, as well as the diffusion-shear transport coefficients $\ell_{V\pi}$, $\ell_{\pi V}$ in the frame of sound wave propagation in an ultrarelativistic gas. Finally, we illustrate the importance of second-order transport coefficients by comparison with the results of the stochastic BAMPS method in the context of the one-dimensional Riemann problem.